Round 5 brings unlimited trading to the EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime. In order to help him improve his struggling team, podcast host Javier Gancedo looked for help around the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and got it from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul star Nick Calathes, who joins the show to make suggestions and build a brand new, more competitive lineup.  

Fenerbahce's Nick Calathes joins the Fantasy Challenge podcast!

Round 5 brings unlimited trading to the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). In order to help him improve his struggling team, podcast host Javier Gancedo looked for help around the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and got it from Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul star Nick Calathes, who joins the show to make suggestions and build a brand new, more competitive lineup.  

Unlimited trading means that Fantasy Challenge managers can change their entire 10-man rosters instead of being limited to the usual three trades between rounds in the regular season. Unlimited trading is set to happen three more times during the regular season, giving fans a golden opportunity to completely change their lineups and have a fresh start.

Javi took Nick's suggestions, buying players like Walter Tavares of Real Madrid, Marius Grigonis of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Chima Moneke of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, and they discussed whether Javi should pick Nick or not. Check out their laid-back, interesting conversation and get your game on for EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge!

After an emotional win against Milos Teodosic and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade to perfectly close last week’s double-round action, Luca Banchi said he felt his guys “were on a mission” while beating the Serbs with an impressive performance that even saw them take a 16-point lead in the second quarter.

It was the fifth straight win between the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and the Italian league, but you can make it six after the black-and-white side didn’t leave any hope for Dinamo Sassari in the last domestic game, winning once more in front of their fans.

[MORE...](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/trademarks/1570871/virtus-bologna-euroleague-start-luca-banchi/)

Coached by Luca Banchi, Virtus Bologna stands only behind the unbeaten Barcelona and Real Madrid in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings, surprising everyone.

Virtus Bologna took it personally and started the EuroLeague strong

A City that lives and breathes basketball, boasts one of the beautiful game's most famous rivalries. Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade versus Crvena Zvesda Meridianbet Belgrade.

No words can describe the Belgrade Derby

The capital of Serbia is a city that lives and breathes basketball and [when Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and its archrival Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade meet on the shiny stage of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2023/39/), the sports world pays attention.

It is a rivalry that words cannot really describe. When asked to try, Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic explained: "You need to come to understand really this."

Partizan star Kevin Punter, who played for Zvezda during the 2019-20 season, said: "It’s amazing. It’s hard to describe. Obviously, people see it on television and things like that, but I feel it’s something you have to physically be there to really understand what I’m saying."

Nemanja Nedovic of Zvezda etched his name into the history books with the game-winner in the first EuroLeague derby between these teams last season.

"It’s really crazy," Nedovic added. "Sometimes you can't hear yourself think. I think every player who plays this game loves to play those atmospheres and enjoys it more. It's a special feeling."

"This is your country, your people," Nedovic's backcourt mate Milos Teodosic said. "This is the team I was cheering for since I was born, so the emotions are even bigger playing for Red Star."

Words cannot explain the derby of Belgrade. If you can’t be at Stark Arena on Thursday night, you had better tune in on television to get a glimpse of this spectacle.

A city that lives and breathes basketball boasts one of the beautiful game's most famous rivalries, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade versus Crvena Zvesda Meridianbet Belgrade.

A Game Unlike Any Other

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2023-10-26T16:30:00.000Z)

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge offers a new wrinkle going into Round 5, before which managers can change all 10 of their players, a regular-season first!

Fantasy tips: unlimited trades, endless combinations!

Round 5 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season brings something new to [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge, powered by Ardu Prime](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home). For the first time ever in 20 years of Fantasy Challenge, unlimited trading will be open before a regular season round. It will happen three more times throughout the season. It is a great opportunity for all Fantasy managers to improve their teams and bring in all those players that you had in mind. This is why we are doing a special edition of 10 players, with no more than one per team, whom you should consider adding to your roster before Round 5. Here they are:

Zach Leday, Jan Vesely, Facu Campazzo, Mike James and Rolands Smits are featured in this video.

Fantasy tips, Round 5: 10th to 6th place

10\. [Jan Vesely, FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) (13.7 credits) – Vesely is posting really solid numbers despite seeing limited playing time. He is averaging 12.5 points on 64.5% shooting and 100% free throws, 5.2 rebounds and a PIR of 18.2 in less than 20 minutes per game. Next stop: El Clásico!

9\. [Rolands Smits, Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rolands-smits/007109/) (11.1 credits) – Smits is playing a leading role this season, averaging 15.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and a PIR of 16.8, shooting the ball really well (68.0% 2FG, 41.7% 3FG, 92.3% FT) from all angles. Expect him to keep posting solid numbers all around.

8\. [Facu Campazzo, Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) (14.6 credits) – Campazzo came back with a mission, to lead the reigning EuroLeague champions' offense, and he is doing exactly that. He averages 11.8 points and 8.5 assists, and posted PIRs of 21 or better in each of Real's last three home games.

7\. [Zach LeDay, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) (14.1 credits) – LeDay has arguably been Partizan's main pillar to start the season, averaging more than 31 minutes on court and responding with 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 18.5 per game. Rock-solid!

6\. [Mike James, AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (15.7 credits) – Despite Monaco's signings, this is still James's team and he is proving it night in and night out. James averages 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and a PIR of 21.8. This is just the start: He should keep doing better and better.

Toko Shengelia, Chima Moneke, Nikola Mirotic, Nikola Milutinov and Mathias Lessort are featured in this video.

Fantasy tips, Round 5: 5th to 1st place

5\. [Nikola Mirotic, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-mirotic/000796/) (16.3 credits) – Milan plays four of its next five games at home, which means Mirotic has a chance to showcase his all-around skills in front of very knowledgeable fans. He is posting extremely solid numbers: 20.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and league-leading a PIR of 23.7.

4\. [Nikola Milutinov, Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) (15.3 credits) – Milutinov is putting outstanding numbers until now: 14.0 points, 6.8 fouls drawn and a PIR of 22.5. His value should skyrocket, too, as he is averaging just 5.5 rebounds – low for him – until now. Milutinov is the Reds' new frontcourt leader!

3\. [Mathias Lessort, Panathinaikos Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) (15.3 credits) – Some thought Lessort's numbers would go down with so many talented teammates around him. Lessort remains an unstoppable force, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.5 fouls drawn and a PIR of 19.5. A must-have player!

2\. [Toko Shengelia, Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tornike-shengelia/001133/) (13.8 credits) – A bit cheaper than other forwards, Shengelia is playing some of the best basketball of his solid career. He is averaging 18.5 points on 74.1% two-pointers and 50% threes, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and a PIR of 22.2.

1\. [Chima Moneke, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) (12.2 credits) – His value has gone up since the start of the fantasy season, and the sky is the limit for Moneke. In 23 minutes per night, Moneke averages 17.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.5 fouls and a PIR of 22.0. And all for just 12.2 credits!

The action continues in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague as Round 5 serves up a mouthwatering Thursday, with the Belgrade derby immediately followed by El Clásico. This is what you can look forward to in this week's nine games. 

Spanish, Belgrade derbies highlight Round 5's seismic showdowns

### Thursday, October 26

[Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/partizan-mozzart-bet-belgrade-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/E2023/39/)

Local pride and much more is at stake as Partizan (1-3) hosts Zvezda (1-3) for the always-passionate Belgrade derby in Thursday's opening tip-off. Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing twice in the double round week, and history suggests we should expect a tight game after both meetings last season were decided by a single possession in favor of the visitor. Zvezda's new head coach, Ioannis Sfairopoulos, will look for his team to improve on inside efficiency after only making 48.3% of its two-point shots so far. [Partizan, conversely, leads the league in two-point efficiency](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2023&category=FieldGoals2Percent&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=accumulated) (61.4%) and will look for [Zach LeDay](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/zach-leday/008987/) (12.0 points per game) to win his personal battle against [Rokas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/rokas-giedraitis/006436/) (11.8).

A rivalry renews for a unique chapter as the Belgrade derby arrives on the EuroLeague stage for a first occassion. Partizan aim to arrest a run of three defeats, while Zvezda are 4-0 under new head coach Duško Ivanović. Who can snatch the bragging-rights in Serbia?

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade - Round 12 - Highlights

[ALBA Berlin vs. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/alba-berlin-ea7-emporio-armani-milan/E2023/37/)

ALBA (0-4) is still looking for its first win of the season as it welcomes Milan (1-2). Ettore Messina's team did not find the energy to compete with Real Madrid in the second half of Round 4's heavy loss, so ALBA's traditional fast-paced style could test the visitors again. Matt Thomas bounced back from a slow start to the season by netting 5 three-pointers in last week's loss at Monaco, and his perimeter play will be vital for an ALBA team which always likes to shoot a high volume of three-pointers. Milan possesses a similar long-range scoring threat through [Kevin Pangos](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kevin-pangos/006433/), but he only made 1 of 5 three-point attempts in the loss at Madrid and is looking for rhythm after failing to dish any assists in that game.

[Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-fc-barcelona/E2023/40/)

The stakes could not be higher for this early-season clásico as the league's only remaining unbeaten records are on the line. Barca coach Roger Grimau will be approaching his first meeting with Real in confident mood after his team's 39-point thrashing of Bayern last week with an exceptional all-round performance. [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) is another clásico debutant and could be an x-factor after improving for his new team game by game, pairing 15 points with 6 rebounds in Round 4. It's a special night for [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) as he returns to face his former team. His battle alongside in-form [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/) against Madrid giants [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) and [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/) could be crucial – not to mention spectacular.

It's a clásico semi for the second season in a row. Barça hope to count on strong Kaunas support thanks to Head Coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius, yet Real's remarkable comeback in Game 5 against Partizan suggests the 10-time champions are unlikely to be intimidated.

FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Semi-Final - Highlights

[Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/olympiacos-piraeus-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2023/38/)

Fresh from morale-boosting victories, Olympiacos (2-2) and Efes (2-2) will look to keep moving up the standings with another massive Thursday showdown. Non-stop [Thomas Walkup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/thomas-walkup/008855/), averaging 35 minutes on court for Olympiacos, has the task of using his excellent defensive skills to slow down in-form [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/), whose performance index ratings of 23 and 26 for Efes inspired last week's wins against ASVEL and Valencia. In the paint, Round 4 MVP [Nikola Milutinov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nikola-milutinov/003941/) will look to maintain his great form, while the ability of Efes's [Derek Willis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/derek-willis/009664/) to stretch the floor with three-point shooting (38.7%) could be a vital aspect of this encounter.

[AS Monaco vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/as-monaco-maccabi-playtika-tel-aviv/E2023/41/)

Fast-improving Monaco (2-2) hosts dangerous Maccabi (2-1) in a repeat of last season's playoffs series, won by the Roca Team in the maximum five games. This meeting, Thursday's final tip-off, is highlighted by a stellar backcourt battle between two of the competition's best guards. [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) has scored at least 14 points in every game this season, while [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/) averages 15.7 points per night and leads the league with 10.3 assists per game. James needs just 7 points to become just the fourth EuroLeague player to reach the career milestone of 4,000 points, but he'll have to be constantly on alert against Brown, who also tops the competition with 2.3 steals per night.

Maccabi aim to seal a first Final Four appearance since 2014 with a decisive visit to Monaco, who are striving to reach European basketball's biggest event for the very first time. Who will be celebrating come the final buzzer and have their hopes of glory still intact?

AS Monaco vs Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv - Playoffs Game 5 - Highlights

### Friday, October 27

[Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Valencia Basket](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/zalgiris-kaunas-valencia-basket/E2023/45/)

Two of this season's surprise packages go head to head as Zalgiris (3-1) and Valencia (3-1) both look for a win to stay firmly in the playoffs places. A clear key to the game is the host's three-point shooting: [Zalgiris leads the league with a 48.3% conversion rate from deep](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/stats/key-stats-teams/?size=1000&misc=&seasonCode=E2023&category=FieldGoals3Percent&seasonMode=Single&sortDirection=descending&aggregate=perGame), with guard [Dovydas Giedraitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/dovydas-giedraitis/007513/) making 5 of his 6 attempts during the double round week. But Valencia boasts the league's second-best perimeter defense, allowing opponents to make only 29.4% of their three-point shots. Valencia will also need its offensive weapons to fire, and will hope that [Chris Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chris-jones/010568/) can return to form after only making 6 of his 20 field goal attempts during last week's two games.

[LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs. Virtus Segafredo Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne-virtus-segafredo-bologna/E2023/42/)

Winless ASVEL's (0-4) new era begins following the dismissal of coach T.J. Parker on the back of a 17-game losing run stretching deep into last season. Visiting Virtus (3-1) is on a roll, winning three games in a row thanks to a consistent and well-balanced offense which delivered 83, 87 and 85 points in those victories. Veteran guard [Marco Belinelli](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marco-belinelli/bcn/) scored in double figures in all those wins, and he'll look to stay hot against an ASVEL team which has struggled to string together sustained quality – as shown by Round 4's 59-31 second half collapse at Fenerbahce. ASVEL should be boosted by the leadership of veteran [David Lighty](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/david-lighty/003526/) after he returned from injury in the French league on Sunday.

The stage is set for a backcourt duel between two superstars, and former teammates, as Nando De Colo leads his LDLC ASVEL team in confronting Miloš Teodosić's Virtus. Who will emerge triumphant come the buzzer?

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne vs Virtus Segafredo Bologna - Round 23 - Highlights

[Panathinaikos Athens vs. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/panathinaikos-athens-baskonia-vitoria-gasteiz/E2023/44/)

Two teams looking for a return to winning ways meet in Athens as Panathinaikos (1-3) hosts Baskonia (1-3). The heroics of all-action [Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) – 17.5 points and 6.8 rebounds this season – were not enough to prevent Baskonia from suffering two home defeats last week, and the Spanish team needs to improve its shooting accuracy after making just 47.2% of two-pointers and 31.1% threes so far, ranking 16th and 18th, respectively, in those categories. Panathinaikos, which also lost twice last week, will counter Moneke's athleticism and hustle with its own human highlights reel, [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/), who has settled quickly at his new team with strong averages of 14.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

[FC Bayern Munich vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/fc-bayern-munich-fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/E2023/43/)

Bayern (2-2) will attempt to recover from last week's club-worst 39-point loss against Barcelona with a visit from a Fenerbahce side (3-1) that won twice in the double-round week. The German team needs more productivity from its guards after former Fenerbahce man [Carsen Edwards](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/carsen-edwards/011987/), [Leandro Bolmaro](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/leandro-bolmaro/008985/) and [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) combined for just 12 points and 3 assists in Barcelona, and will rely on steady veteran big man [Serge Ibaka](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/serge-ibaka/003583/) (9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds per game) inside. Fenerbahce's remarkable second-half comeback against ASVEL last week featured 18 points in 20 minutes from [Scottie Wilbekin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/scottie-wilbekin/006661/), who will look to take on scoring opportunities as his team chases a third straight win.

FC Bayern Munich v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2023-10-27T18:30:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos Athens v Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (2023-10-27T18:15:00.000Z)

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne v Virtus Segafredo Bologna (2023-10-27T18:00:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v Valencia Basket (2023-10-27T17:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona (2023-10-26T18:45:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2023-10-26T19:00:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2023-10-26T19:00:00.000Z)

ALBA Berlin v EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (2023-10-26T18:00:00.000Z)

Among all the intriguing angles to watch when undefeated Real Madrid and Barcelona meet to settle first place in El Clásico on Thursday, how two pairs of elite centers compete is a huge one.

Stats Review: El Clásico's centers of attention

The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season has only just begun, but a Final Four preview is on the horizon nonetheless as the top two teams in the standings, [Real Madrid and FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/game-center/2023-24/real-madrid-fc-barcelona/E2023/40/), extend their historic rivalry and determine who will remain unbeaten in Round 5. 

Though this is a rematch of last season’s semifinals, these clubs are coming off very different processes this summer. Real Madrid is leaning almost exclusively on the core from last spring’s championship team amid a reunion with point guard [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/), the only new addition.  Barcelona has undergone a more significant transformation with Roger Grimau taking over as head coach while [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) and [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) are tasked with filling the void left behind by the departure of leading scorer and recent EuroLeague MVP Nikola Mirotic. 

After the opening tip, the contrast between these two powerhouses will be perhaps most apparent at the center position, where both teams rotate a pair of elite talents. Featuring a former EuroLeague MVP in [Jan Vesely](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jan-vesely/000925/), one of the most dominant defenders in EuroLeague history in [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/), perhaps the league’s most impactful newcomer in Hernangomez, and one of the early season’s hottest players in [Vincent Poirier](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/vincent-poirier/004887/), this is one of the most compelling positional matchups in recent memory.

*Note: Walter Tavares missed some action earlier in the season.*

At 2.20 and 2.13 meters respectively, Tavares and Poirier rank among the bigger front lines in recent EuroLeague history and hold a significant size advantage over Hernangomez and Vesely, who are not exactly short standing 2.13 and 2.09 meters. As the graphic above suggests, that translates most vividly in their shot blocking numbers and how they are used offensively – both pairs of players do nearly all of their scoring in the immediate vicinity of the rim. Given that all these players make a significant impact rolling to the rim, it will be fascinating to see how the size of Madrid’s front line allows them to create opportunities and take away angles for lobs.

Even if they are not floor spacers in the mold of Johannes Voigtmann – who has kept defenses honest with his shooting as well as any center in the EuroLeague over the last several years – Hernangomez and Vesely get more touches away from the rim and are far more likely to look to score in the mid-paint off short rolls than Madrid’s big men. How they move Madrid’s centers around defensively and look to capitalize on opportunities away from the rim is another major point of interest in the Round 5 *Clásico*.

Jan Vesely, Willy Hernangomez and 2 others Top Plays from 09/23/2023 to 10/23/2023

Jan Vesely, Willy Hernangomez, Vincent Poirier and Walter Tavares highlighs

Will Tavares be able to put a lid on the rim the way he did throughout last season, or will Barcelona find some opportunities in the midrange?

Will Poirier have a field day inside like the last time these teams faced off several weeks ago in domestic action?

Can Vesely use his versatility to his advantage making decisions in the midrange?

Does Hernangomez’s knack for drawing fouls become a factor in this game?

The intrigue abounds in this season’s first *El Clásico* and the action around the rim may ultimately tell the story.

Hardly anything says 'every game matters' more than a double-round week. It was first such of the 2023-24 season, and it was about memories and old friends, but also about major milestones and great battles on the floors. Check out our selection of social media posts from around the EuroLeague.

EuroLeague double-round week on social media

**CATCHING UP**: Kevarrius Hayes and Guerschon Yabusele were teammates at ASVEL, Kemba Walker and Shabazz Napier are a famous NCAA duo from the University of Connecticut, Tadas Sedekerskis was glad to see his coach from the Lithuanian national team Kazys Maksvytis, while Sergio Rodriguez greeted his former Milan teammates and coaches.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🗣️🗣️🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/qtotj4b6uw">pic.twitter.com/qtotj4b6uw</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1714348566540620109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyk1P3yRRn9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Olimpia Milano (@olimpiamilano1936)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zalgiris coaching staff met Baskonia captain Tadas Sedekerskis before the practice in Vitoria! 🇱🇹 <a href="https://t.co/SViX52GPrm">pic.twitter.com/SViX52GPrm</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1714956500433555853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 


**HOMECOMING**: Milos Teodosic got a warm welcome in Bologna where he left a big mark playing the last four years, leading Virtus to the 2022 EuroCup championship and the 2021 Italian League crown.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="is" dir="ltr">Hvala 𝓜𝓲𝓵𝓸𝓼!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarsiAncora?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarsiAncora</a> <a href="https://t.co/dUKycqa5N6">pic.twitter.com/dUKycqa5N6</a></p>&mdash; Virtus Segafredo Bologna (@VirtusSegafredo) <a href="https://twitter.com/VirtusSegafredo/status/1715445420766253304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**PICTURE THIS**: Coaches Ergin Ataman and Dimitris Itoudis had a pleasant exchange before their Round 3 game in Istanbul.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What are they saying❔👀 <a href="https://t.co/QHAcuB4wc7">pic.twitter.com/QHAcuB4wc7</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1714346921190703197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**MUSIC TO HIS EARS**: This is the way to get in a groove before the game.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A bit of pre-game Vivaldi as gametime approaches 🎼 <a href="https://t.co/p71tSCrjgx">pic.twitter.com/p71tSCrjgx</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1714295444749308103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**DIFFERENT ANGLE**: Partizan lost a thriller in Piraeus, but it delivered one of the plays of the year, a buzzer beating triple from James Nunnally that sent the game to overtime. Check it out from this angle.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">NAAANEEEELI! <a href="https://twitter.com/allornunn21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@allornunn21</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKPartizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKPartizan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/P15rQw13Rk">pic.twitter.com/P15rQw13Rk</a></p>&mdash; KK Partizan Mozzart Bet (@PartizanBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PartizanBC/status/1715101076515434520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

**MAJOR MILESTONES**: Kyle Hines broke the record for the most games played in the EuroLeague and Coach Ettore Messina won his 300th game. Congratulations!

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Forever Grateful and Honored!!! <br>Euroleague All-Time Leader in Games Played in a Career. <a href="https://t.co/Lu4wgNOBWs">pic.twitter.com/Lu4wgNOBWs</a></p>&mdash; Kyle Hines (@SirHines) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirHines/status/1714413799917166928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">300 only love <a href="https://t.co/4UXSQJrXl1">pic.twitter.com/4UXSQJrXl1</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1714387639913034235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


**WINNERS' CORNER, PART I**: Round 3 was action-packed, with only three road winners, which included FC Barcelona, FC Bayern and AS Monaco.

**WINNERS' CORNER, PART II**: Monaco, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce, Barcelona, Virtus and Efes all won twice last week.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CymFg-rs7SD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Marko Gudurić (@guduric)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Third! 👌<br><br>Cowboy made it rain in Vitoria! 🚿 <a href="https://t.co/ONPMJ6nOom">pic.twitter.com/ONPMJ6nOom</a></p>&mdash; BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) <a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1715111834989068796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">🗣️🙌🏽 Coach Bartzokas motivational speech!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OlympiacosBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OlympiacosBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherWeFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherWeFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreOlympiacos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreOlympiacos</a> <a href="https://t.co/uGy6OlGpuT">pic.twitter.com/uGy6OlGpuT</a></p>&mdash; OLYMPIACOS BC (@Olympiacos_BC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympiacos_BC/status/1715126497680253228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Segunda victoria europea de la semana, en el Palacio 🏀<br>Seguimos fuertes en casa en este buen inicio de temporada 💪🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/GXlPLLWw2E">pic.twitter.com/GXlPLLWw2E</a></p>&mdash; Sergio Llull (@23Llull) <a href="https://twitter.com/23Llull/status/1715117175084577109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Première W à domicile <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a>, merci Roca fans! <a href="https://t.co/KXliJ5YvO8">pic.twitter.com/KXliJ5YvO8</a></p>&mdash; Elie Okobo (@ElieOkobo_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElieOkobo_0/status/1715476883683373113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The first double week of the season was a success 2/2 ✅. Gotta give a lot of credit to the fans for their amazing contribution in supporting the team! Let’s keep building! There’s always a dope atmosphere in Paladozza 💯. <a href="https://t.co/YNVlLKKoB5">pic.twitter.com/YNVlLKKoB5</a></p>&mdash; Gabriel Iffe Lundberg (@IffeLundberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/IffeLundberg/status/1715676330493157444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🔥 <a href="https://t.co/BKYAqqpMiS">pic.twitter.com/BKYAqqpMiS</a></p>&mdash; Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcobelinelli/status/1715700325082927140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Hardly anything says 'every game matters' more than a double-round week. It was the first such of the 2023-24 season, and it was about memories and old friends, but also about major milestones and great battles on the hardwood. Check out our selection of social media posts from around the EuroLeague.

Coach Oded Kattash praised his players after they showed remarkable resolve to beat Panathinaikos in the face of adversity.

Maccabi shifted its focus back to basketball against Panathinaikos

Maccabi Tel Aviv gave its fans something to cheer about with an epic 81-86 overtime win at Panathinaikos Athens at a time when sports have taken a back seat in Israel. The ongoing war there has naturally affected Maccabi's players in many ways, including of course the team's schedule, ability to train together and their focus.

The club's Round 2 road game against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan was suspended and rescheduled for the end of the month. Several of Maccabi's non-Israeli players relocated to Cyprus while its home-grown players spent time visiting children relocated from their homes due to the war.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="iw" dir="rtl">מכבי ו-Playtika מתגייסות למען מפוני העוטף &gt; <a href="https://t.co/0e7KhkudEQ">https://t.co/0e7KhkudEQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/lXiV4w4sZO">pic.twitter.com/lXiV4w4sZO</a></p>&mdash; Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 (@MaccabiTLVBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaccabiTLVBC/status/1712138943532085475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Having lost 75-66 to Valencia on Wednesday, with the fixture swiftly moved to Spain from Tel Aviv, Maccabi headed to Athens in a somber mood, but once there, the six-time continental champion found the strength to refocus.

Having seen his men grind out an emotional, rollercoaster win in the Greek capital, Coach Oded Kattash stressed just how demanding the circumstances have been for Maccabi.

"The last two weeks weren’t easy for us and today we promised ourselves we would focus on basketball more than on other things," Kattash said in a courtside interview, moments after the game.

"Like I said after the game against Valencia, basketball comes second for us these days and two days ago we weren’t there with the right energy," Kattash added at the press conference. "At this morning’s team meeting \[before the game with Panathinaikos\], we decided to focus on what we do best and that’s playing basketball. We came out with a different energy, we helped and supported each other.

"Giving people back home at least some joy is the least we can do, but winning or losing basketball games comes second right now. If we managed to lift them even a little bit, it’s our small part in a tough situation."

Asked whether Maccabi would be able to keep playing their home games in Tel Aviv, Kattash said: "We don’t know, I don’t have an answer to that right now. Not being able to plan more than a week or two ahead is a separate challenge. I wish something could hopefully happen to change the situation quickly but we have to wait and see."

Panathinaikos Athens-Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv | Round 4 Highlights | 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague

### Tough times for the Greens

The loss ended a sour week for Panathinaikos after Wednesday’s 83-69 setback at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and it showed the new-look team is still very much a work in progress.

There is no doubt that Coach Ergin Ataman, who took over during the summer, has the credentials to build a side that should in due course feature as a genuine contender, but he has a formidable task on his hands after guiding Anadolu Efes Istanbul to back-to-back EuroLeague titles in 2021 and 2022.

Ataman’s frustration with his team’s inability to gel as quickly as he would like boiled over during the loss to Maccabi when he was ejected from the game midway through the third quarter for loud protests over an officiating decision. A galvanized Panathinaikos, which trailed by 15 points at halftime, then found an extra gear to launch an ultimately futile fightback, although the hosts came agonizingly close to winning in the final minute of regular time.

"We're very disappointed," said Ataman’s assistant Christos Herelis, who took over from the Turkish tactician after he was given his marching orders by the officials, said. "We were aggressive in the second half, but in the end we only have ourselves to blame for losing."

Game News

Head coach Oded Kattash praised his players after they showed remarkable resolve to beat Panathinaikos in the face of adversity.

Panathinaikos Athens v Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (2023-10-20T18:15:00.000Z)

On the morning after dismissing head coach Dusko Ivanovic, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade was ready with his replacement, Ioannis Sfairopoulos.

 Zvezda brings Ioannis Sfairopoulos back to the EuroLeague 

Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade has swiftly filled its vacant head coaching spot with Ioannis Sfairopoulos, whose Turkish Airlines EuroLeague pedigree its fans will understand immediately. Sfairopoulos, 56, signed a two-year deal. He replaces [Dusko Ivanovic, whom Zvezda dismissed](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/zvezda-pulls-the-plug-on-the-dusko-ivanovic-era/) last evening after a 1-3 start in the EuroLeague.

Sfairopoulos arrives with most of eight seasons on EuroLeague benches behind him, split evenly between his first four with Olympiacos Piraeus and his last four with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. He will debut in the EuroLeague with Zvezda coaching in the Belgrade derby next Thursday against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.

His career record in the EuroLeague is 132-96, which breaks down to 76-46 with Olympiacos and 56-50 with Maccabi. His career 57.9% winning rate ranks ninth among head coaches with at least 100 EuroLeague games. As Sfairopoulos himself noted in a tweet after the announcement, his first EuroLeague game ever was a 57-72 win for Olympiacos over Zvezda before 20,000 fans in Belgrade.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My first game <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroLeague</a> as Head Coach. <br>Kombank Arena, Belgrade, 7/11/2014, <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kkcrvenazvezda</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/olympiacosbc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@olympiacosbc</a> with more than 20.000 fans. Amazing atmosphere…<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TBThursday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TBThursday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/memories?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#memories</a> <a href="https://t.co/YBQASZcmNc">pic.twitter.com/YBQASZcmNc</a></p>&mdash; Giannis Sfairopoulos (@GSfairopoulos) <a href="https://twitter.com/GSfairopoulos/status/1621124851254833154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Sfairopoulos led Olympiacos to a pair of runner-up finishes in the EuroLeague. In his first season in the competition, the Reds reached the 2015 championship game but fell to host Real Madrid. Similarly, they reached the 2018 final together only to lose to Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

Sfairopoulos then took over Maccabi bench early in the 2018-19 season with the team holding a 1-5 record and led the team to a 14-16 finish, one victory out of the running for the playoffs. The next season, Maccabi was tied for fourth place at 19-9 when the season was discontinued due to the pandemic. Maccabi finished a disappointing 13th with a 14-20 record in 2020-21, and the team was 12-12 in 10th place the following season when he was let go after a loss in the Israeli Cup.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Grk Janis Sferopulos novi je trener KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet! 🔴⚪️<br><br>Nekadašnji trener Olimpijakosa i Makabija potpisao je dvogodišnji ugovor sa crveno-belima.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://t.co/rvO1yRCxpK">pic.twitter.com/rvO1yRCxpK</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1716009372902478104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Sfairopoulos was a two-time Greek League champion with Olympiacos and a three-time Israeli League champion with Maccabi. He was also coach of the year in both leagues, including twice in Israel.

Sfairopoulos began his coaching career in his native Thessaloniki with Apollon Kalamarias and PAOK. Between assistant coaching positions for Olympiacos, CSKA Moscow and the NBA's Houston Rockets, he was head coach of Kolossos Rhodes. Before joining Olympiacos early in the 2014-15 season, he spend two seasons at the head of the bench of Panionios Athens, compiling an 8-11 record in the EuroCup. He also served as assistant coach of the Greek national team most years between 2001 and 2010.

On the morning after dismissing head coach Dusko Ivanovic, Crvena Zvezda was ready with his replacement